A greater proportion of unemployed people are out of work for a year (long-term unemployed) or more in regional Victoria than in Melbourne, according to a new quarterly publication,State and Regional Indicators, Victoriareleased today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Throughout the period April to November 2001, the proportion of unemployed people who were long-term unemployed, was higher in regional areas outside Melbourne. In November 2001, more than a quarter (26.5%) of the 38,900 unemployed Victorians living outside Melbourne, had been out of work for a year or more. However, among Melbourne's 108,400 unemployed people, the proportion of long-term unemployed was 16.8%.

The publication also highlights that recent rises in Melbourne house prices have been confined almost entirely to established homes. Established home prices rose 30.4% in the year to September 2001, while prices for project homes increased by only 3.2% in that period.

The new publication, State and Regional Indicators, Victoria, December quarter 2001 (cat. no. 1367.2), brings together a wide range of statistics about Victoria and its regions. Topics covered include finance, population, prices, industry and natural resources.

Each quarter, the publication will provide a statistical snapshot of the State, its people and its environment. Future releases will also include a feature article, providing a detailed analysis of a topical issue each quarter.

State and Regional Indicators, Victoria, December quarter 2001 (cat. no. 1367.2) is available in ABS ABS Bookshops

Media please note: Labour Force figures are not strictly comparable prior to April 2001 due to a change in statistical methodology however time series figures have been made available in the publication.